Short answer: Choose the main message, inspect the artwork at its proposed physical dimensions and test it against the garment colour. Check lettering, fine lines and secondary details separately. Improve the hierarchy or simplify the design before assuming a higher-resolution export will solve a legibility problem.
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Decide what should be read first
Write the primary message in one line outside the artwork: the organization name, the event or a role such as Volunteer. Then list what can be secondary. If every element is equally prominent, the viewer has no clear starting point. A sponsor mark, date and slogan can all matter without receiving the same space.
| Layer | Question | Possible revision |
|---|---|---|
| Primary message | Can a new reader identify the organization or purpose? | Give the key words more space or remove competing text |
| Secondary detail | Does this need to be read at the same distance? | Reduce its prominence or move it to another approved location |
| Contrast | Do the important shapes separate from the actual garment colour? | Review an approved alternative colour version |
| Fine detail | Do narrow gaps and small lettering remain clear at print size? | Simplify details and request production review |
Check scale, not just zoom
Use a printout at the proposed dimensions, when practical, to judge layout and reading distance. Measure the output: a printer's “fit to page” setting can change the scale. A paper check helps evaluate design hierarchy; it does not reproduce fabric texture, transfer feel or final colour.
- Measure the proposed artwork width and height on the reference output.
- Ask someone unfamiliar with the design what they read first.
- Check it at the intended viewing distance rather than inventing a universal distance test.
- Inspect light artwork on dark and dark artwork on light reference backgrounds.
- Review the smallest approved artwork variant separately.
- Keep the editable master while preparing the delivery copy.
Adobe's resolution guidance relates pixel dimensions to physical output size. More pixels cannot reorganize crowded wording. For lettering handoff, outlined text preserves shapes but removes ordinary text editing, which is why the editable original should be retained.
Illustrative example: a crowded chest logo
Keep the name, reconsider the small text
Illustrative example · Not a documented customer order
A group proposes a chest design containing its name, a detailed crest, a date and a long slogan. At the proposed size, the name reads clearly but the slogan does not. Increasing the export resolution leaves the slogan just as small.
The coordinator prepares a simpler front version and considers the slogan for a separate back layout. Both locations are included in the quote scope. The group approves the revised hierarchy before final artwork review; no extra location is assumed to be free or automatically feasible.
Separate design clarity from production suitability
A readable mockup still needs a technical review. The STAHLS artwork specification illustrates product-specific concerns about fine detail, transparency and colour. Its thresholds are not universal rules for every decoration process.
For custom T-shirts from ANCO, send the original artwork, proposed dimensions and garment colour. Confirm fabric and colour choices before approving the contrast, and keep every design version attached to the bulk-order breakdown.
Sources and scope
Manufacturer examples explain specific products and do not confirm ANCO stock, equipment or suppliers. ANCO reviews the proposed garment, artwork and order before confirming suitability.